Think of a really fancy party you’re going to, and you want to look incredibly beautiful. You have a fabulous outfit and a gorgeous hairstyle, and you plan to wear some jewellery to complete your look. However, there’s a minor issue – whenever you wear jewellery, your skin gets irritated, and you might even break out in rashes. Those red marks on your skin make you look like you’ve had a rough time, even though it’s just a reaction to your jewellery.
You still want to wear jewellery for this event, but you’re still determining what kind to choose to avoid skin problems. What type of jewellery should you go for?
The Problem
What’s happening is that you’re experiencing allergic reactions when you wear certain types of jewellery. You might have figured out your skin’s tolerance level – how long you can wear it before it starts to itch or cause problems. These allergic reactions are usually due to the metals used in your jewellery.
Metals have different reactivity levels, which you might remember from high school chemistry. That indicates how strongly they can react with the substances. Regarding fashion jewellery, two common metals are brass (an alloy of copper and zinc) and nickel. These are the culprits known for triggering allergic reactions in many people.
Sometimes, these metals are coated with gold or other materials to make them look fancier. Even if the jewellery doesn’t bother you when it’s brand new, it might start causing problems as the coating wears off.
The Solution
If you’re searching for jewellery to complement your outfit for a special occasion and have sensitive skin, stainless steel is a fantastic option.
Stainless steel is an alloy, just like brass, but it contains some of the gentlest materials you can put on your skin. It’s mainly made up of iron, carbon, and chromium. Some titanium might be included to enhance its strength. While some types of stainless steel have trace amounts of nickel, they are so minimal that they typically don’t cause issues for the wearer.
Surprisingly, stainless steel can often outperform sterling silver in terms of being skin-friendly. Even though silver is a highly sought-after material, the 7.5 per cent copper content in sterling silver can trigger skin reactions.
It’s worth noting that stainless steel comes in various grades. When shopping for jewellery, look for the grade labelled as 316L. This formulation is entirely free of nickel, lead, and cadmium, making it an excellent choice for those with sensitive skin.
Stainless steel jewellery: Is it suitable for new piercings?
Stainless steel jewellery is commonly recommended for new piercings due to its durability and hypoallergenic properties. When considering stainless steel for piercings, choosing high-quality, implant-grade stainless steel such as 316L or 316LVM is crucial. These grades are less likely to trigger adverse reactions and are designed to minimize the release of potentially harmful substances into the body. However, individual sensitivities vary, so if you have a history of metal allergies or sensitivities, consulting a professional piercer is a wise step to determine the best material for your needs.
In addition to material quality, the polish and finish of stainless-steel jewellery are essential factors to consider. Jewellery should be smooth and well-finished to prevent sharp edges or rough surfaces that irritate the healing piercing. Proper sizing is another key consideration, with jewellery initially chosen to accommodate swelling during the early stages of healing. As the piercing progresses, transitioning to shorter, snug-fitting jewellery is recommended.
The healing process of piercings can vary depending on the location and individual factors. Maintaining cleanliness and minimizing changes to the jewellery during the healing stages is vital. Seeking guidance from a professional piercer is always a prudent step in selecting the right jewellery type, size, and material for your piercing. Adhering to professional advice and closely monitoring your body’s reactions can ensure a successful and comfortable healing process. If any irritation or allergies arise, promptly consult a healthcare professional or your piercer to address concerns.
Advantages of Stainless-steel jewellery
Stainless steel jewellery boasts a range of compelling advantages that make it a popular choice in accessories. First and foremost, it doesn’t rust, thanks to the protective layer of chromium it possesses, ensuring that it maintains its lustre over time and doesn’t change colour like some other metals. Furthermore, its resilience shines through, as it’s not easily scratched or damaged, requiring less frequent polishing than metals like silver, gold, or platinum.
One of its most significant merits is its hypoallergenic nature, making it unlikely to cause allergic reactions or adverse effects on the skin. This attribute ensures that it can be comfortably worn by individuals with sensitive skin, adding to its appeal. Additionally, stainless steel jewellery aligns with sustainability efforts, as it is fully recyclable with an impressive recovery rate of nearly 100%. It remains environmentally inert, not absorbing compounds that could alter its composition when in contact with other elements. That makes stainless steel jewellery an eco-friendly choice for those seeking more sustainable options in their accessories.
Furthermore, stainless steel is completely safe and biocompatible, with no biological or chemical impact on the body. It doesn’t leach into the bloodstream, cause adverse effects, or interfere with medications or medical procedures. Its safety and compatibility make it a reliable choice for various wearers.
Last but not least, stainless steel jewellery’s versatility shines as it effortlessly matches a wide range of outfits, from casual to formal attire. It can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion, making it a timeless and adaptable choice in fashion accessories.